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Nuclear Engineering at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Raleigh, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
59 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
61
Optimistic
59
Base Case
57
Pessimistic
Earnings $74,540/yr (3% vs median)
AI Risk High (49% exposed)
Job Market Medium (19,400 openings/yr)
ROI 20.5x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #6 of 9 Nuclear Engineering programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Nuclear Engineering graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $758K $730K $645K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 21.3x 20.5x 18.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.0x 5.7x 5.1x
Probability of Field Employment 73% 66% 48%
DegreeOutlook Score 61 59 57

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$35,580
Out-of-state: $127,068 (5.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$67,724
-90% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,250
3.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $74,540/yr, roughly in line with the $72,611 national median for Nuclear Engineering. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 20.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 15% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Nuclear Engineering career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

With first-year pay of $74,540 far exceeding the $23,250 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

Nuclear Engineering is offered at just 9 schools in our analysis. North Carolina State University at Raleigh's #6 ranking should be read in that context.

About North Carolina State University at Raleigh

North Carolina State University at Raleigh accepts 40% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, one of the larger campuses at 26,389 students in Raleigh, NC.

See all programs and financial aid at North Carolina State University at Raleigh →

Top Career Paths

Architectural and engineering managers $167,740/yr
Nuclear engineers $127,520/yr
Engineering teachers, postsecondary $106,120/yr
View all 3 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 9 schools offering Nuclear Engineering →

Nuclear Engineering at Other Schools

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ($81,134) Missouri University of Science and Technology ($77,947) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ($77,014) The University of Tennessee-Knoxville ($73,724) Oregon State University ($69,657) Oregon State University-Cascades Campus ($69,657) Texas A & M University-College Station ($66,604) Purdue University-Main Campus ($63,226)

Other Majors at North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Computer Science ($85,809) Computer Engineering ($82,997) Chemical Engineering ($81,492) Industrial Engineering ($81,055) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($77,687) Construction Engineering ($76,574) Materials Engineering ($74,058) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($74,016)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Nuclear Engineering trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 59/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Nuclear Engineering at North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
At 59/100, the score looks reasonable — but Nuclear Engineering is a high-scoring field overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Nuclear Engineering at North Carolina State University at Raleigh?
The 49% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →